On the feeding biology of bream (Abramis brama)

This paper summarizes some studies on feeding mechanisms in common bream, Abm,nir; brama (L., 1758), living in eutrophic waters of the Netherlands. Different feeding modes and the present ideas on the particle retention mechanism in bream are discussed. Particles, mainly zooplankton, retained in the branchial sieve are encapsulated in mucus to prevent loss during transport to the oesophagus. A general comparison between the filter apparatus of bream and that of some other zooplanktivores fish is made, in an attempt to explain why bream is able to feed on zooplankton and why it, before eutrophication, mainly fed on benthic invertebrates.